Syracuse, N.Y. -- At 7 a.m. Friday, a couple customers filtered into the Valero at 1131 North Salina St. to buy gas.

Behind the counter was Adel Hassan, a Syracuse resident who works mornings at the Valero. But he was absent from the store most of Thursday morning, when he was escorted from the Valero into the back of a Syracuse police cruiser.

Hassan was one of several people issued appearance tickets for taking in stolen property during an ongoing Syracuse police crackdown on the city's corner stores. After being booked Thursday morning, those taken into custody were issued appearance tickets and released.

"They explained to me what I did," Hassan said.

Though he understands the appearance ticket, Hassan said he doesn't remember buying any stolen property. Police told Hassan that there were two or three incidents in September, he said.

"I forget where I ate yesterday," Hassan said Friday morning. "How am I supposed to remember in September?"

Syracuse police are expected to shed some light on what Hassan took in during a news conference at 10 a.m. Friday. Police will provide information on the arrests made and stolen property recovered at that time. On Thursday, Syracuse police wouldn't reveal what they recovered, but Sgt. Tom Connellan said the items may include cigarettes, energy drinks and even razor blades.

But Hassan said he doesn't recall taking in any stolen products. He laughed at the idea of taking in stolen cigarettes on Friday morning.